How Connecticut Patients Can Find The Right Surgeon
Both major and minor surgeries require the skill and expertise of the proper surgeon. Those in Connecticut who might need surgery or have recently discovered they need surgery should know the proper method of finding a surgeon who fits their specific needs and puts them at ease. A few good tips could lessen the chances of an avoidable injury and improve the results of the procedure.
Ask about board certification
Patients should ask whether the surgeon they are considering is currently board certified. Something to bear in mind is the fact that surgeons are not legally required to be certified in the medical procedures in which they specialize. This means patients should ask if the surgeon is specifically board certified, trained and educated in the medical procedure they need or think they might need.
Ask if the surgery is necessary
There is a chance a patient does not actually need surgery to maintain her or his health. For this reason, it is a good idea to ask if there are alternatives to the proposed surgery. Just as there are common risks with surgery, there might also be risks with going without the surgery. It is up to patients to decide which risks and advantages they are willing to accept. It can be quite frustrating to spend money on a procedure only to later learn it was not necessary or that there was a less expensive treatment option.
Ask about experience
Even if a surgeon is board certified, that does not mean she or he has an abundance of experience performing a specific procedure. Patients should ask how many times the surgeon has performed the surgery in question and her or his overall level of success. While some surgeons might be uncomfortable discussing surgical complications, it is information patients have a right to know.
Ask about results
Besides experience, patients should also ask about the surgeon’s results. While the surgeon might do an excellent job at performing the procedure, the way she or he sews up the surgical site might not be to a patient’s liking. Such results are especially important if it is a cosmetic procedure a patient needs.
Ask about the infection rate
Because mistakes happen, patients should make themselves aware of the hospital’s, medical center’s or clinic’s infection rate. Hospitals might make this information easily accessible to the public. Additionally, patients should be sure to check the ratings of the site where their surgery will be carried out.
Doctors are human, which means they are not immune from error. Patients who suffer an injury after undergoing surgery or visiting a medical center might have a case on their hands. Consulting with a lawyer is the best option to protect one’s legal rights.